That’s the story of “Yuletide in Dogtown,” an original theatrical production for families presented by ArtPlay, the home for arts education from UAB’s Alys Stephens Center.

“Yuletide in Dogtown” is all about encouraging the best of the holiday spirit — tolerance and good will for all, including cats and dogs. Can the mayor keep peace when Felicity Feline is spotted? Join dogs Spike, Fifi, Scotty and Beauregard on this musical adventure created by local playwright Jerry Sims, as the pups learn the real meaning of the season. It’s a howling, growling, meowing good time. This unique, interactive show, back by popular demand, is written in a rhyming romp, and audience members can sing along the refrains of the show’s delightful songs.

“Yuletide in Dogtown” will show at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, 2011, in UAB’s Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave. South. Join the pups of Hand in Paw as they greet the audience before each show with wagging tails. Enjoy holiday treats after each show, and bring a camera to have pictures made with the show’s delightfully costumed characters. Tickets are $8 kids, $10 adults. Call 205-975-2787 or visit www.AlysStephens.org.

This year’s production features the return of popular veteran performers seen previously in ArtPlay’s many original productions, including “Down the Yellow Brick Road,” “A Vest Pocket Christmas Carol,” “Alice’s Even Bigger Tea Party,” “Christmas Comes to Mugwumpville” and “So You Want to be a Star.” Ron Bourdages is the show’s narrator and musician, with Lee Grineras Beauregard Bloodhound, Ginny S. Loggins as poodle Fifi Latour, Darryl Revel as Scotty Mactavish, mayor of Dogtown, Kimberly Kirklin as Felicity Feline and Sims as Spike the Bulldog.